Holden: "It Was A Great Performance From The Lads."

First team manager Dean Holden praised every single one of his players after his side recorded a derby day double over nearest rivals Rochdale.

Rhys Turner bagged two goals whilst Jonathan Forte notched his 15th of the season as Latics recorded their second 3-0 victory over Dale this season.

Speaking after the game, Holden said: "It's a great scoreline and a great performance from the lads. From the first minute we went on a run and almost scored so from there we were in control.

"They had a couple of moments and they were unfortunate to have three injuries in the first half but the game plan came together nicely. Joel got another clean sheet as well so everything is great.

"Rochdale are a tough team to play against. They play it out from the back and play it up with quality so it was important to keep our distance and being in a position to pick up the second balls. It was about having a good shape behind the ball and playing from there and I thought we did that well.

"It's important you keep a clear head now and do the right things. The most important thing now is that we recover for Saturday against Bradford. It's going to be a tough ask to go there so it's important the lads recover well."

Turner made it three goals from his last three games and Holden explained why he was substituted in the second half.

"Rhys looked a threat from the first minute but unfortunately he got his second goal and then signalled straight away," he admitted.

"He's had four hamstring injuries so far in his career and hopefully we have sorted it out now. He tightened up with his hamstrings and when that happens you have got to get him off for obvious reasons which was a shame because he was on a hat trick."

After back-to-back victories, Holden is looking to finish the week picking up the maximum nine points as his team travel to Bradford on Saturday.

"It was important to get a win at Crewe and climb the table instead of looking downwards," said the 35-year-old. "We have won tonight and all of a sudden we have started looking up. We can't look beyond Bradford now and we can't get too excited.

"It is important now that we build on what we have done in the last two games. The fans responded tonight and there was a lot of optimism around the ground again which is great."